hi again (+ a hefty media recap)

my bad

I can’t believe it’s already been 9 months since my last Substack post. I created this silly little newsletter last year as a way to cope with not quite having the space to express myself the way I wanted to in a low-stakes environment. My hope too, selfishly, was to have a place where I could challenge myself to be more consistent with writing while I was #unemployed. But when my work situation changed (thank god), so did my consistency here. My bad.

It’s been really wholesome to see people over the past months stumble upon this space and subscribe or send messages saying something resonated with them. Even now, in all the overwhelm I do miss having a place where I can comfortably ramble about the things I love to a cozy group of people who quite literally signed up for it. I’m planning on popping up here more often.

Optimistically, once every week or two, but definitely at least once a month with a media recap. If you’re interested in reading some of the pieces I’ve written for other publications, I can include them in here as well. If there’s a kind of post you subscribed to '‘go cry about it’ for that you’d like to see more of, shoot me a message and let me know (film/tv reviews, media recaps, breakdowns etc etc). I might review the first few eps of Bridgerton because… do I have thoughts…Writing to a void can be hard, but it’s nice to know when something is interesting for y’all to read.

To mark my return, I decided to compile a list of things I’ve read, watched, consumed over the past few months that have stuck with me. It might be random and rambly but hey that’s what this place is for. Let’s get into it.

📚Reads

“When Couples Therapy Becomes a Weapon” by Scaachi Koul [The Cut]
In one of my other media recaps, I linked Rebecca Fishbein’s excellent piece for Bustle that asked if therapy speak is actually making us selfish. Right now, The Cut (yes, I’ve fallen victim to The Cut viral essay industrial complex) has a really interesting series that’s complicating our relationship to therapy, and profiling the many reasons that people are deciding to stop going. Of course, therapy is an immense privilege. I’ve been really lucky to be able to go to help me cope with a lot of things, and maybe it’s that negative self-talk, but sometimes I wonder if therapists have the tendency to validate a little too close to the sun. If a majority of therapists aren’t equipped with the tools to (when safe and appropriate) challenge their clients. I also wonder if many of us are being given language that dresses us in the appearance of care and community, but justifies acting with solitary interests in mind. Anyways, I’m not in a relationship but I thought this Scaachi Koul essay about couples therapy and her divorce was super interesting and worth the read.

“Superfan: How pop-culture broke my heart” by Jen Sookfong Lee
A really lovely, sweet and funny memoir about the Vancouver-based writer’s life, intertwined with key moments in pop-culture that coloured her experiences. I love how this book intertwines narrative with references to pop-culture. While for some it might be distracting, the real pop-culture girlies find it grounding. Plus, really nice to read something from a local writer, it all feels so close to home. Support a local author! Just don’t buy from Indigo <3

“If you want to belong, find a third place” by Allie Volpe [Vox]
Bring back the art of lingering!!! You really do have to let it linger and this essay is all about the third spaces that give us a sense of belonging, comfort and community. For me, my third space is quite literally my car. Sometimes I’ll spend a half hour sitting in silence in my car (complimentary) after an evening outing just to decompress before coming home. I love how this piece nudges us to tap into public parks and to seek out third spaces when it feels like they aren’t immediately accessible.

“CBC has whitewashed Israel’s crimes in Gaza. I saw it firsthand” by Molly Schumann [The Breach]
An incisive piece by a former producer at the public broadcaster that outlines their experiences of discriminatory practices in relation to the ongoing and intensifying genocide in Palestine. A must read for anyone, but especially those in the media space.

🎥Watches

Challengers (2024)

tashi being scary

Challengers is so worth the hype. Would definitely recommend watching in theatres because the sound design and cinematography is phenomenal. It’s such an effective film with compelling characters and tennis is the perfect conduit for their story. The characters are quirky and unseemly. The writing is sharp and so so intentional. The dialogue is great.

Broadcast News (1987)

This one took me by surprise. I wasn’t expecting much tbh, but it Broadcast News is now on my comfort movies list. The film is a romantic-dramedy set at a news station that is going through a shift towards entertainment journalism. Holly Hunter plays Jane, an intense but undeniably talented news producer who finds herself in a love triangle between her awkward but skilled bestfriend Aaron, and Tom, the dashing former sports reporter who represents everything she hates about where the industry is going. It’s certainly not perfect, but I loved Jane’s character so much. A woman who is unapologetically driven and intelligent. I love how that’s exactly what makes her so compelling to both men. The characters feel so immediately real and it’s a treat to watch Jane stumble her way through romantic situations and a genuine attraction while reckoning with her integrity and love for journalism.

The Sopranos (1999-2007)

Okay so I’ve been meaning to get around to this show properly for years and the hype is so real. I think the funniest part for me is realizing how many men have completely missed the point of the show by idealizing people like Tony when the whole point is to explore their complexity and evil. It really is such a phenomenal show with amazing writing and character development. At times, the vulgarity of it is tough to get through, so take breaks as needed. But probably one of the best indictments of masculinity, power and patriarchy I’ve seen on television.

🎧 Listens

Jaguar II by Victoria Monét

There aren’t many people out there doin it like Victoria Monét is. I’ve been thinking a lot about stadium culture and I know we all (me included) love seeing our favs sell out stadium shows, but I’m also someone who cares a lot about the art of a live performance. When people have put in the work for years and years refining their craft, it shows. Jaguar II front to back is such a phenomenal album. Well-produced, mixed and mastered, amazing vocals and a distinct style. When it comes to performing live, Victoria Monét’s Coachella set was such a standout for me. The mic is very much on, she’s giving us breath control, real choreography and a cohesive and well-executed concept. (My fav tracks: Alright, How Does It Make You Feel, Good Bye)

Fountain Baby by Amaarae

Forgive me, Amaarae. I wasn’t familiar with your game. I honestly had not listen to much of her stuff before this album but when I tell you this woman is a rockstar, I mean it. Fountain Baby is lush, vibrant and gives us so much range. It’s intense and funny and emotional and FUN. It’s an addictive album. Such a strong introduction to me for her as an artist, and I can’t wait to see what she does next. (My fav tracks: Princess Going Digital, Counterfeit, Sociopathic Dance Queen)

Ek Tara by Jaswinder Jassi and Jeet Bhogal

With Noormahal doing numbers, it made me want to revisit this version of the folk song from the 2000s. It reminds me of BBC Asian Network and getting early to a hall party. The acoustic version is also a banger.

FAMILY RECIPES by Ashou

A newer discovery for me. Found this producer who has two albums of remixes, almost entirely Punjabi classics. They’re funky and full-bodied. I really appreciate when a remix seems to understand the essence of why the original song worked in the first place, but put it’s own interpretation and spin on it. Definitely worth checking out, have found his work is really fun to write to.

✍🏽Recently written (shameless plug):

• Profiled a local Punjabi-owned bookstore

• Reviewed Diljit’s Vancouver show

• Highlighted a new TELUS web-series about food, memory and identity